Held in London from February 25 to 27, International Energy Week convened key players from across the global energy sector to discuss the evolving landscape of oil and gas within the broader transition to low-carbon energy sources. Hosted by industry intelligence leader Wood Mackenzie, the event spotlighted several pressing topics, including energy security, environmental sustainability, investment volatility, and geopolitical frictions influencing energy markets.
A dominant theme throughout the week was the balancing act between maintaining energy security and meeting environmental, social, and governance (ESG) commitments. Speakers and panelists acknowledged the critical role oil and gas currently play in stabilizing energy systems, especially during periods of demand volatility and supply disruption. Many advocated that these traditional energy sources must serve as reliable transition fuels while the world scales up renewable energy technologies and hydrogen production capabilities.
One focal point of the discussions was the increasingly tense liquefied natural gas (LNG) market, with special attention to the implications of the ongoing tariff disputes between China and the United States. Experts warned that trade barriers and political tensions could further strain global LNG supply chains, potentially exacerbating energy insecurity for developing economies reliant on imports. This, in turn, could delay the transition away from coal and other high-emission energy sources.
Investment uncertainty also featured prominently. The shifting regulatory environment, combined with fluctuating energy prices and evolving ESG expectations, has made long-term planning for upstream oil and gas projects more complex. Industry leaders emphasized the need for clear, stable policies and robust investment frameworks to attract the capital necessary for critical infrastructure upgrades and development.
Policy voices at the conference framed oil and gas not as outdated relics, but as strategic enablers of the energy transition. They argued for more nuanced regulations that support innovation and lower-emission practices within the sector, such as carbon capture and storage (CCS), rather than abrupt disincentives that could undermine supply reliability.
The event concluded with a call to action for greater cross-sector collaboration. Attendees stressed the importance of integrating technological innovation, regulatory foresight, and stakeholder engagement to ensure that the energy system evolves responsibly and efficiently. The consensus was clear: resilience in oil and gas is not just about market endurance, but also about adaptability in supporting a net-zero future.
International Energy Week reaffirmed that while the energy transition is underway, the path forward must be pragmatic, inclusive, and responsive to both immediate needs and long-term sustainability goals.
